Bracing for a sharp seasonal drop in the blood supply, New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) will collect blood throughout the state during January, National Blood Donor Month.
A local drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in a NJBS bloodmobile parked at Pelican Pool & Ski Shops, 393 Route 18 south, East Brunswick.
Each participating donor will receive a voucher for a free day of skiing at one of 13 different area mountains.
January is always a critical time of the year for blood collections because donations traditionally decline during the holiday season. At the same time, inclement winter weather may lead to the cancellation of or reduced attendance at scheduled blood drives.
Qualified donors should be 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds and present photo or signed identification. Individuals over 75 years of age may donate with a note from their physician.
For more information or questions about medical eligibility, call 800-933-BLOOD (2566).